When I was in college I was fortunate enough to come
to know chamber music played in a chamber. What was by day a Mediterranean
architecture student lounge became on Sunday evenings a music room where
one sat an armís reach from the players and shared music with them.
This video brought back memories of those wonderful evenings. Granted
that the beautiful marble panelled hall here seats several hundred,
but the close video direction gives the proceedings that same intimacy
I remember. No fancy pictures of flowers or sunsets, we just sit here
and watch the music being made, shifting our gaze from one to the other
of the musicians, whose intense commitment and exceptional skills are
very much in evidence.

These works were written by Mozart while he was working
on Nozze di Figaro, on commission from the Viennese publisher
Hoffmeister, but when the first proved not successful due to its serious
tone and technical difficulties, the second was not published in Mozartís
lifetime. Zacharias has made his reputation previously as a fine Mozart
pianist who produces a clear, expressive, authentic sound with a modern
piano. The others play facing each other and play to each other as well
as to the audience. The occasional friendly wink or smile reinforces
their obvious friendship and delight to be working together. The producers
have given us a very clear picture and brilliantly clear sound, the
audience is very quiet, and the experience is extremely enjoyable. All
that being said, this is a very, very good but not legendary performance
of this music. These are young people, and perhaps when they are older
they will find just a little more in the music. But in the meantime
this DVD will give us many hours of enjoyment.

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